Health Information Technology Program

Become a Health Information Technician

Health Information Technicians are a key part of the healthcare team. They ensure the quality of medical records and analyze patient data to improve patient care and control costs in all healthcare settings. Opportunities for employment may also be found in organizations that use patient data or health information, including pharmaceutical companies, law firms, and medical product vendors.

Harper College's Health Information Technology program offers one degree, the A.A.S. HIT, which starts in the Fall Semester and is completed by full-time students in 21 months. A part-time option suitable for working adults is also available. The A.A.S. HIT degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The curriculum is rigorous and covers both data management and revenue cycle management objectives at higher learning levels.

At Harper College, you will be part of an online community of inquiry and will enjoy the benefits of taking all your classes in an asynchronous, Online Anytime format. You will get to know the classmates in your cohort and will have opportunities to study and work independently and in teams. You will gain hands-on practice with multiple electronic health record applications, medical coding and grouping software, and health information management specialty software.

Earn Your HIT Degree

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is designed to prepare you for entry into this profession. As a Harper graduate, you will meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam. Coursework in the A.A.S. may also prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university. This is an application-based program.

Associate in Applied Science—Health Information Technology

Explore Health Information Technology Careers

Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Health Information Technology degree program. Each career profile offers a complete picture of the local job market, including salaries, open positions, top local employers, and more. To learn more, visit our Health Information Technology Careers page.

Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars career profile for most current data.

$47,909
Median Salary

11%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

102
Job Postings

Description:

Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and followup information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases.

Core tasks:

Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
Compile medical care and census data for statistical reports on diseases treated, surgery performed, or use of hospital beds.
Design databases to support healthcare applications, ensuring security, performance and reliability.
Develop in-service educational materials.

Quick facts:

Health Informatics Specialists

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Health Informatics Specialists career profile for most current data.

$102,550
Median Salary

0.4%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

155
Job Postings

Description:

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

Core tasks:

Translate nursing practice information between nurses and systems engineers, analysts, or designers, using object-oriented models or other techniques.
Use informatics science to design or implement health information technology applications for resolution of clinical or health care administrative problems.
Develop or implement policies or practices to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, or security of patient information.
Analyze and interpret patient, nursing, or information systems data to improve nursing services.

Quick facts:

Medical Records Specialists

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Medical Records Specialists career profile for most current data.

$50,913
Median Salary

4.6%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

263
Job Postings

Description:

Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.

Core tasks:

Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
Compile and maintain patients' medical records to document condition and treatment and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts.
Consult classification manuals to locate information about disease processes.
Enter data, such as demographic characteristics, history and extent of disease, diagnostic procedures, or treatment into computer.

Quick facts:

HIT Course Credits Available with Current Medical Coding Credentials

CCS®

Students with a current (not expired) Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®) Certification could earn the following Health Information Technology (HIT) credits at Harper College:

HIT 165 – Pathopharmacology for Health Information Professionals
HIT 196 – Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding
HIT 197 – International Classification of Disease (ICD) Coding
HIT 199 – Healthcare Reimbursement
HIT 235 – Advanced Medical Coding

The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®) credential is offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and demonstrates a practitioner’s tested skills in data quality and accuracy as well as mastery of coding proficiency.

For more information, please contact HIT Program Coordinator, Paula Akialis.

CCS-P®

Physician-based (CCS-P®) Certification could earn the following Health Information Technology (HIT) credits at Harper College:

HIT 165 – Pathopharmacology for Health Information Professionals
HIT 196 – Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding

The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS-P®) credential is offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and demonstrates mastery-level coding proficiency performed in physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, or specialty centers.

For more information, please contact HIT Program Coordinator, Paula Akialis.

CPC®

Students with a current (i.e. not expired) Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) Certification could earn the following Health Information Technology (HIT) credits at Harper College:

HIT 196 – Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) credential is offered through AAPC and demonstrates expertise in coding medical services and procedures performed by physicians.

For more information, please contact HIT Program Coordinator, Paula Akialis.

Resources

For more information about earning your HIT degree at Harper, please contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.

Health Information Technology program News

Get the latest news and updates from the Harper Health Information Technology department.

Students to Watch: Haroon Wilson

With a love for Health Information Technology and a deep appreciation for the opportunities Harper College has provided, the future is bright for Haroon Wilson. Read More